Israel is accused of breaching international law by restricting aid flows into Gaza, where the population remains severely impoverished, and life-saving goods are scarce as winter sets in. Natalie Boucly, Unrwa's deputy commissioner general, has warned that if Israel continues to impede aid, it could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Boucly notes that Unrwa is equipped with enough supplies to feed 6,000 trucks' worth of people for about three months but faces significant obstacles due to Israeli restrictions. Currently, only a fraction - approximately half - of the daily truckloads needed are reaching Gaza.
Boucly emphasizes that Israel's actions as an occupying power are in direct contravention of international humanitarian law and human rights conventions, including the fourth Geneva Convention. The International Court of Justice recently issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel has a duty to provide essential supplies to the people in occupied Palestinian territory.
The situation is further complicated by Unrwa's strained relationship with Israel, which severed diplomatic ties after accusing the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas and allowing "widespread" misuse of its facilities. However, the court found no evidence to support these claims and dismissed nine Unrwa employees who were allegedly involved in terrorist attacks.
Boucly stresses that Unrwa is crucial for providing vital services such as education and social welfare to 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees. The agency's collapse would be disastrous, and its work must continue despite the challenges imposed by Israel.
The senior official also expressed concern about the lack of progress in resolving the conflict, citing the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by the Trump administration. Boucly believes that much of the peace-making effort is happening outside the traditional multilateral framework, leaving crucial details missing.
Unrwa's work in Gaza has been severely hampered by Israeli restrictions, including the prohibition on importing essential supplies such as pens and notebooks into the territory. This has had a devastating impact on children who have endured unimaginable trauma, including forced relocations, family losses, hunger, and relentless bombing.
Boucly warns that if aid continues to be restricted, it could lead to further instability and even more terrorist attacks. The agency must receive vital support to continue its work with the children of Gaza, many of whom are orphans who have lost their parents.
Boucly notes that Unrwa is equipped with enough supplies to feed 6,000 trucks' worth of people for about three months but faces significant obstacles due to Israeli restrictions. Currently, only a fraction - approximately half - of the daily truckloads needed are reaching Gaza.
Boucly emphasizes that Israel's actions as an occupying power are in direct contravention of international humanitarian law and human rights conventions, including the fourth Geneva Convention. The International Court of Justice recently issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel has a duty to provide essential supplies to the people in occupied Palestinian territory.
The situation is further complicated by Unrwa's strained relationship with Israel, which severed diplomatic ties after accusing the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas and allowing "widespread" misuse of its facilities. However, the court found no evidence to support these claims and dismissed nine Unrwa employees who were allegedly involved in terrorist attacks.
Boucly stresses that Unrwa is crucial for providing vital services such as education and social welfare to 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees. The agency's collapse would be disastrous, and its work must continue despite the challenges imposed by Israel.
The senior official also expressed concern about the lack of progress in resolving the conflict, citing the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by the Trump administration. Boucly believes that much of the peace-making effort is happening outside the traditional multilateral framework, leaving crucial details missing.
Unrwa's work in Gaza has been severely hampered by Israeli restrictions, including the prohibition on importing essential supplies such as pens and notebooks into the territory. This has had a devastating impact on children who have endured unimaginable trauma, including forced relocations, family losses, hunger, and relentless bombing.
Boucly warns that if aid continues to be restricted, it could lead to further instability and even more terrorist attacks. The agency must receive vital support to continue its work with the children of Gaza, many of whom are orphans who have lost their parents.
Israel's actions in Gaza are so inhumane! They're basically suffocating the population and it's up to Unrwa to keep them alive? I mean, we know they've got 5.9 million registered refugees counting on them for education, social welfare, etc... but what's the point if they can't even get essential supplies into Gaza? 
pens, notebooks, you name it! The kids in Gaza are already traumatized enough without having to deal with hunger and bombings 
I need Israel to just open up the borders already! We can talk about security measures later, but for now, let's focus on saving lives, you know? 
this is so frustrating 
Israel's restrictions on aid for Gaza are just cruel, especially with winter setting in 
. It's like they're intentionally making it harder for people to survive 
. The fact that Unrwa has enough supplies to feed everyone but is only getting half of the aid they need 
is just heartbreaking 
.
. It's time for some serious negotiations and compromises 
. Can't we all just agree to help those who are struggling? 
. We should be supporting these ppl instead of making things worse. Can't we all just get along? 
The International Court of Justice is on the right track by saying Israel has to provide essential supplies, but it feels like no one's really listening 
.
. I'm worried about the kids, man. They're already going through so much trauma, and now you're telling me that even basic supplies like pens and notebooks are being restricted? That's just cruel 
.
. It's not right, and we need to do better.
I mean, can't Israel just relax on the whole "occupying power" thing for a sec? It's been years since the conflict started and we still haven't seen any real progress 
. The fact that Unrwa is struggling to get aid into Gaza because of Israeli restrictions is just heartbreaking 
. And what's up with this diplomatic fallout between Israel and Unrwa? I feel like they're not exactly being helpful in the whole situation 
.
. But can't we just find a way to make it work without all the drama and conflict? 
i swear, it's like a taste explosion in your mouth. anyway, back to the news... it's just so heartbreaking to see what's happening in gaza 
Maybe if more people from different countries got involved in trying to broker peace talks, something might actually change 
.
We need to do better, support Unrwa and the people of Gaza - this isn't just about politics or international law, it's about human lives 
. We need more help to get supplies into those kids' hands ASAP! 
. They're providing vital services to 5.9 million people, and their collapse would be disastrous 
. I'm all for supporting organizations that make a difference in the world. We need more of these Unrwas in places like Gaza.
.
I'm not gonna lie, it's one thing to disagree with someone's actions, but when it comes to basic human rights and survival, that's just wrong. 
.
. It's like, what even is the point of having aid if it's just gonna get blocked? Unrwa does so much good with education and social welfare services for 5.9 million refugees... can't we just let them do their job without interference? 
. And yeah, the Trump administration's ceasefire agreement didn't exactly do much for progress, did it?